2005 Hall of Fame Inductee
One of the greatest long jumpers of all time, Powell set the existing world record of 8.95 meters/29 feet, 4.50 inches at the 1991 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Tokyo, winning an epic dual against fellow Hall of Famer Carl Lewis. Powell's dramatic victory, a world record performance that nobody has come close to since, handed Lewis his first defeat in the event in 10 years. During his heralded long jump career, Powell was a two-time world champion (1991-1993), two-time Olympic silver medalist (1988/1992) and six-time U. S. champion (1990-92-93-94-95-96). He was the world's dominant long jumper in 1993 and 1994, winning 34 competitions in a row. In 1991 he earned the AAU's James E. Sullivan Memorial Award as the nation's top amateur athlete. Powell, who was ranked #1 in the world by Track & Field News on four occasions (1990-1991-1993-1994) currently coaches at the Academy of Speed in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Records Held World Record: Long Jump - 8.95 m (August 30, 1991) Championships 1988 Olympic Games: Long Jump - 8.49 m (2nd) 1992 Olympic Games: Long Jump - 8.64 m (2nd) 1996 Olympic Games: Long Jump - 8.17 m (5th) 1991 World Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.95 m (1st) 1993 World Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.59 m (1st) 1995 World Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.28 m (1st) 1997 World University Games: Long Jump - 8.19 m (1st) 1990 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.24 m (1st) 1992 USA Olympic Trials: Long Jump - 8.62 m (1st) 1992 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.62 m (1st) 1993 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.53 m (1st) 1994 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.68 m (1st) 1995 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.55 m (1st) 1996 USA Olympic Trials: Long Jump - 8.39 m (1st) 1996 USA Outdoor Championships: Long Jump - 8.39 m (1st)